Translation guide
How to express 'prepare for' in Japanese, covering general preparation, readiness for events, and mental preparation.
To make ready or get things ready for something.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to prepare'. Used for tangible and intangible preparations.
旅行の準備をしています。
I'm preparing for the trip.
試験の準備をしなければならない。
I have to prepare for the exam.
To make arrangements or get oneself ready for a specific event.
The noun form with する, often used when specifying what you are preparing for.
パーティーの準備を手伝ってくれますか？
Can you help me prepare for the party?
To prepare oneself mentally for something challenging or important.
Literally 'to prepare one's heart/mind'. Used for bracing oneself emotionally.
悪い知らせを聞く前に、心の準備をした。
I prepared myself mentally before hearing the bad news.
準備 (junbi) is the general term for preparation, often involving a process. 用意 (yōi) can imply readiness or having things set up. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 用意 is common for tangible arrangements like setting a table or preparing documents.
会議の準備に時間がかかった。
It took time to prepare for the meeting.
書類はもう用意してあります。
The documents are already prepared.
Often interchangeable with 準備する, but can emphasize having things ready or arranged in advance.
お客様のために部屋を用意しました。
We prepared a room for the guest.
To prepare for a future event, often with a nuance of being equipped or taking precautions. More formal/literary.
災害に備えて食料を蓄える。
Stock up on food in preparation for a disaster.
Specifically for getting oneself ready, like dressing up or packing. Often used for daily routines.
もうすぐ出かけるから、支度しなきゃ。
We're leaving soon, so I have to get ready.
To resolve oneself, be prepared for the worst. Stronger than 心の準備.
彼は失敗を覚悟して挑戦した。
He took on the challenge prepared for failure.